The Commission establishes sentencing policies and practices for the federal courts. Each year, the Commission reviews and refines these policies in light of congressional action, decisions from courts of appeals, sentencing-related research, and input from the criminal justice community.

In this section, you can follow the Commission’s work through the amendment cycle as priorities are set, research is performed, testimony is heard, and amendments are adopted.

The U.S. Sentencing Commission is an independent agency in the judicial branch that was created as part of the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984. Commissioners are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Attorney General, or the Attorney General’s designee, and the Chair of the U.S. Parole Commission serve as ex officio, nonvoting members of the Commission.

In this section, learn about the Commission’s mission, structure, and ongoing work.

Notice from November 19-20, 2009

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OF THE UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION

November 19-20, 2009

Pursuant to Rule 3.4 of the Rules of Practice and Procedure of the United States Sentencing Commission, a public hearing is scheduled for November 19-20, 2009 in Austin, Texas. On November 19, the public hearing will commence at 8:30 a.m. and will conclude at approximately 3:00 p.m. The public hearing will reconvene on November 20 at 8:45 a.m. and will conclude at approximately 1:00 p.m.

The public hearing will be held in the Eidman Courtroom at the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. The courtroom is located on the ground floor of 727 East Dean Keeton Street, Austin, Texas, 78705.

As detailed in the agenda, the purpose of the November 19-20, 2009 public hearing is for the Commission to solicit information from invited witnesses regarding federal sentencing policy.